Feb
17
2010
These days we’re all looking for ways to save money and tighten our belts. For homeowners, a logical place to start is to look at ways to save on energy costs in your home.
Here are a few online resources to get you moving in the right direction to improve your home’s energy efficiency:
And don’t forget to check out your local energy companies–many will provide a free energy audit and most will provide advice on local contractors and suppliers and information on incentives and rebates available in your area.
Nov
06
2009
Charlotte’s annual sales tax holiday on Energy Star appliances rolls around again this weekend, allowing consumers to save money while reducing their energy use. The North Carolina Legislature defines “Energy Star qualified product” as “a product that meets the energy efficient guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy and is authorized to carry the Energy Star label.”
Clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats all qualify for the tax break.
Click here for more information about the Energy Star Program, including tax credits for energy efficiency.
Sep
25
2009
When you’re replacing appliances, making repairs or remodeling, you may be able to recoup part of the cost if your improvements are energy-efficient. A 30% tax credit is available with a limit of $1,500 for all combined credits. From Angie’s List, here are some details about credits:
- The credit applies to material costs for windows, doors, insulation, and roofs. It also applies to material, labor and installation costs for HVAC systems, non-solar water heaters and biomass stoves.
- The improvements must be installed in your primary residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. New construction and second homes are not eligible for credits.
- Save your receipts and manufacturer certification statements.
- The credit also applies to materials, installation, and labor for geothermal heat pumps. solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems. These credits have different limits. Namely, the tax credit is 30% of the total costs with no upper limit through 2016. And this credit also apples to new construction, second homes, and rental homes.
- Some hybrid vehicles also qualify for a separate credit based on make and model. But keep in mind that this credit is being phased out as sales reach a certain threshold. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more information.
- Products must meet specific standards to qualify for the credit. Energy Star compliance isn’t alway sufficient. For a full list of specifications and qualified products, go to energystar.gov/tax credits.